Via Electronic Mail:
July 9, 2025
Via Electronic Mail:
Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, doug.fordco@pc.ola.org
Hon. Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, sylvia.jones@pc.ola.org
Hon. Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines, stephen.lecce@pc.ola.org
Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, peter.bethlenfalvy@pc.ola.org
Hon. Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, trevor.jones@pc.ola.org
Hon. Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources, mike.harris@pc.ola.org
Hon. Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness & Response, jill.dunlop@pc.ola.org
Hon. Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, rob.flack@pc.ola.org
Hon. Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job creation and Trade, vic.fedeli@pc.ola.org
Hon. Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, todd.mccarthy@pc.ola.org
Hon. Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, greg.rickford@pc.ola.org
Hon. Lisa M. Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs, lisa.thompson@pc.ola.org
RE: Opposition to Bill 5 and Support for Ontario’s Food System and Indigenous Rights
Ontario Dietitians in Public Health (ODPH) strongly opposes Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025 as this legislation poses serious threats to public health, Indigenous rights, farmland protection, and environmental stewardship. As Registered Dietitians working in public health, we are dedicated to advancing just and sustainable food systems. ODPH is the official voice of Registered Dietitians working in Ontario’s public health system. ODPH provides leadership in public health nutrition by promoting and supporting member collaboration to improve the health of Ontario residents through the implementation of the Ontario Public Health Standards.
Public Health and Environmental Risks
The Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) has raised urgent concerns about Bill 5’s impact on the health of Ontarians. This legislation weakens environmental protections and bypasses comprehensive environmental assessments. As Registered Dietitians, we see how environmental degradation directly affects food systems, nutrition, and community well-being, especially for equity-denied populations. Bill 5 increases the risk of:
- Air and water pollution, which can lead to contaminated drinking water and food safety issues;
- Loss of biodiversity and green space, which are essential for mental health, climate resilience, and ecological balance; and
- Reduced public trust in transparent and accountable decision-making by this government, as the bill limits opportunities for communities to participate in decisions that affect their health and environment.
Threats to Farmland and Food Systems
The National Farmers Union–Ontario (NFU-O) has called for the immediate withdrawal of Bill 5, citing its facilitation of Special Economic Zones threatens Ontario’s limited supply of prime farmland. With over 319 acres of farmland lost daily in Ontario, this bill can accelerate the erosion of the province’s food-producing capacity.
Just and sustainable food systems begin with land security. Protected farmland is essential to ensure access to fresh, nutritious, and affordable food. Without access to food, our communities experience poorer health outcomes that are costly to our health care system, which disproportionately impact rural, northern, and low-income communities.
Violations of Indigenous Rights
The Yellowhead Institute and the Chiefs of Ontario have condemned Bill 5 for violating the constitutional and inherent rights of First Nations. The bill enables development on Indigenous lands without free, prior, and informed consent, undermining the duty to consult and the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
The Chiefs of Ontario have warned of legal and grassroots action in response to this legislation. As public health professionals, we stand in solidarity with Indigenous leaders who are defending their lands, waters, and sovereignty.
A Call for Health-Centered, Just Policy
Ontario’s future depends on the health of its people, ecosystems, and food systems. ODPH urges the Ontario government to repeal Bill 5 and commit to policies that uphold health equity and the long-term well-being of all in Ontario.
Sincerely,
Luisa Magalhaes, RD, MHSc
Chair, ODPH
Sharmini Balakrishnan, RD
Co-Chair, ODPH Food Systems Workgroup
cc.
Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), Drew Spoelstra, OFA President, drew.spoelstra@ofa.on.ca
National Farmers Union of Ontario (NFU), Max Hansgen, NFU-O President, president@nfuontario.ca
Ontario Farmland Trust, Martin Straathof, Executive Director, info@ontariofarmlandtrust.ca
Greenbelt Foundation, Namgyal Dolker, Office of the CEO, ndolker@greenbelt.ca
Marit Styles, Leader of the Official Opposition, mstiles-qp@ndp.on.ca
John Fraser, Leader Third Party, jfraser.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
Leader of the Ontario Green Party, Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner, mschreiner-co@ola.org
Yellowhead Institute, contact@yellowheadinstitute.org
Chiefs of Ontario, Isak Vaillancourt, Communications Manager, isak.vaillancourt@coo.org
Canadian Public Health Association, Dolores Gutierrez, Communications & Marketing Officer, communications@cpha.ca
References:
1. Canadian Public Health Association. CPHA and OPHA raise alarms over Ontario’s Bill 5. May 2025.
2. National Farmers Union. NFU-O Demands Withdrawal of Bill 5. June 2025.
3. Yellowhead Institute. The Elbows are Up: Ontario’s “Special Economic Zones” and Indigenous Rights. June 2025.
4. Ontario Nature. Bill 5: A Moment to Mobilize for Nature in Ontario. April 2025.
5. Chiefs of Ontario. First Nations Leadership responds to the passing of Bill 5 with warning of legal and grassroots action. June 2025.
